Larry Hogan on Homeland Security

No county or city restrictions on drones; study state use

SB 370 specifies that only the state can enact laws to prohibit, restrict, or regulate the testing or operation of unmanned aircraft systems. This preempts county and municipal authority. The bill also requires a study on specified benefits.

Bill excerpts:

Only the State may enact a law or take other action to prohibit, restrict, or regulate the testing or operation of unmanned aircraft systems (UAS) in the State; preempting the authority of a county or municipality.

WHEREAS,
While the public has expressed concerns with the operation of UAS, there are benefits that may be realized by the State, including the State's various industry sectors, from conducting research on UAS and in manufacturing, and operating UAS;

THEREFORE the Department of Business and Economic Development shall [conduct an evaluation of UAS].

Legislative record: Passed Senate 46-0-1; passed House 136-1-4, April 5; signed by Governor May 12.